Spells by Aprilynne Pike

Spells (Aprilynne Pike ) (Wings, #2)

by Aprilynne Pike

A magical romance blossoms in the follow-up to WINGS, the bestselling novel described by Stephenie Meyer as "a remarkable debut".

"I can't just storm in and proclaim my intentions. I can't 'steal' you away. I just have to wait, and hope that someday you'll ask," Tamani said.
"And if I don't?" Laurel asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Then I guess I'll be waiting forever."

It's been almost a year since Laurel discovered that she is a faerie, placed with human parents as an infant to help protect the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Although she's come to accept her true identity, Laurel refuses to turn her back on her human life-and especially her boyfriend, David-to return to the faerie world.
But when she is summoned to Avalon to relearn her long-forgotten faerie magic, Laurel must depend on the charismatic faerie sentry Tamani. Her feelings for him are undeniable, and she is forced to make a choice-a choice that could break her heart.
When a deadly enemy resurfaces and puts both Laurel's life and Avalon in danger, Laurel must draw on all her human strength as well as her faerie skills to save both of her worlds and all of those she holds dear.

Reviewed by e_rodz_leb on

3 of 5 stars

Share
This is the first audio book that I have tried. I told myself that it was a good idea to try it since I spend about one hour in my car commuting to work. How was the experience you ask? I think I like it enough that I will be checking another audio book from my library soon. The pros - I was able to 'read' another book (it took me about two weeks to finish it) and the actor that read the book was really good. The cons - since this is a book about fairies, it was hard to follow certain parts and the name of the characters (I still don't know how they're spelled!) Also you have to place close attention to the book, so if you like to plan or think as you drive, then don't listen to an audio book while driving.

The book starts about six months after the end of 'Wings'. You really have to read the fist book to understand 'Spells'. I was a little disappointed with the novel. There was not a lot of action (only two scenes,) as this book concentrated more around Laurel's struggle to balance her human and fairy lives. I found the love story between David and Laurel very well developed, but while I like David, I like Tamani even more. The last scene of the book was quite heartbreaking. I don't understand what Laurel is supposed to do when it is obvious to every human that she will not age, I think it would be easier to transition to her fairy life sooner rather than later (but that is just my opinion.)
The descriptions of Avalon where very well done, although I cannot help but share Laurel's opinion about the obvious class division and discrimination that all fairies take for granted. I hope that 'Illussions' turns out better than Spells.

About the cover: I am not impressed with the cover. I understand why there is a flower on the cover, but the dark colors don't reflect the mood of the story at all.

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 26 May, 2011: Finished reading
  • 26 May, 2011: Reviewed